For the last decade Ian Jindal has researched and visited stand-out stores in New York City – one of the global retail capitals. From Soho to the Meatpacking via 5th Avenue and the Lower East Side, here is our list of the must-see stores. We look for “Retail Alchemy” – where people, products, process and place create a magical experience, filtered through the eyes of experienced European retail execs who, frankly, have seen most things already in London, Paris, Hong Kong, Singapore… What gets through this filter is worth a detour at least or a special trip for the annual ‘hot list’. Register for free access and you’ll see the database, along with store reviews, analysis and tours.